A property website that allows real estate agents to change so-called "market estimates" is defending the practice, saying it's about ensuring buyers have the most information possible.

The chief data scientist for Homes.co.nz, Tom Lintern, told our reporter Ruth Hill that including valuations or appraisals provided by homeowners and real estate agents often produces a more accurate estimate of a property's market value.

A new bluetooth upgrade to the Covid tracer app promises to make contact tracing easier. Some victims of the Christchurch terror attacks say the initial police response was lacking. Thousands of trucks have been draughted in to help sort out a glut of Christmas cargo. Real estate agents stand accused of manipulating house prices.

Whakatane-based singer Maisey Rika came in to RNZ with singers, Te Rina and Erica Ransfield to perform and talk about the song, Te Puketapu ki Paepaeaotea, which she composed at the time of the eruption.

She says the song incorporates the significance of the rocks near Whakaari which for iwi of the Mataatua waka - is where the spirits of those who've passed leave the physical world.

Home ownership rates are the lowest they've been in 70 years, and dropping.

First home buyers trying to crack the market are fighting against investors, cash offers and soaring house prices.

First time buyer Stephanie has missed out on about 30 houses around Auckland and north.

She says she's stopped counting the offers she's made on homes.

She speaks to Susie Ferguson.

A woman sexually abused by her foster father for many years says she was abandoned by Anglican Social Services which placed her in care.

The witness, known as Ms M has given evidence to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care in Auckland.

She was seven when placed in care along with her older sister.

Andrew McRae reports.

[audio_play] Warning: This story contains discussion of abuse.

Mental health patients are still being locked in small sparse seclusion rooms despite being told to end the practice by the end of the year.

It's five years since the United Nations Committee on torture said New Zealand was too dependent on seclusion.

Some health boards are making progress, using simple interventions like a cup of tea, food, or lavender oil - but others are relying on seclusion rooms more than ever.

Health Correspondent Rowan Quinn reports.

Britain has become the first country to begin using a fully tested vaccine against Covid-19.

The first person to receive the jab was 90-year-old Margaret Keenan who described the moment as "the best early birthday present" she could wish for.

As the mass immunisation programme kicks off, millions of British citizens will be vaccinnated by the new year.

London correspondent Vinny McAvinney speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Kiritapu Allan is the MP for the East Coast and was in Whakatāne on the day of the Whakaari eruption. 

She is also Minister for the National Emergency Management Agency - or Civil Defence. 

She speaks to Corin Dann.

A brief update of movements in the financial sector.

Wednesday marks a year since the deadly eruption of Whakaari.

A White Island Tour worker who stayed home sick on the day of the eruption is still grappling with survivors-guilt and trauma.

The worker's aunty, Toni Boynton, spoke to RNZ on behalf of her whānau.

She says her niece has since moved overseas to be with her mother and process grief. 

Local iwi Ngāti Awa say they're doing their best to support other staff members still mourning the deaths of their colleagues. 

Te Aniwa Hurihanganui reports.